BARATERO
By Kuseru
Entrance Requirements: Minimum attributes include P.P. of 12 or higher. Restricted to unprincipled, anarchist or any evil alignment, cannot be of good alignment.
Skill Cost: 13 Years (11 Years as a Secondary Martial Art Style)
Baratero is the Spanish name for a type of knife-fighting developed by gypsies, presumbably in Seville. Developed as early as the 17th century, this style wasn't refined until the 19th century. A book on this style was published in 1849.
It's practitioners, dubbed navajeros, used a variety of knives and other armas blancas (bladed weapons) of a similar type. Most notable of these is the la navajo/navaja (long, heavy folding knife), however other knives, including el cuchillo (fixed-blade knife), la tijera (chisel), and the puñal (short stabbing/thrusting folding knife) were also used. Some schools also teach the use of canes and sticks.
Originally devised as a quick, straight-forward self-defense style, Baratero soon incorporated the flashy, stylized knife maneuvers and manipulations of the gypsies, which were designed to confuse the opponent as well as create an opening to exploit. Later the style incorporated the smooth, fluid movements and swift attacks of fencing, becoming highly developed and sophisticated.
This style has often been compared to the German Dolchfechten, Italian Arte della Daga, and Mexican El Cuchillo.
Costume: All gypsies are snappy and stylish dressers, but tend toward flashy clothes in black and dark blue colors with splashes of golds and reds. Like any fraternity, gang, or secret society, the gypsies wear identifying "color" in the way of bright bandannas and scarves (usually shades of yellow, orange, red, pink and purple). They love leather, including leather jackets, boots and gloves. They will often also wear a cloak or cape (with or without a hood). However, the character is likely to wear 2D4 rings, bracelets, necklaces, pins, earrings and other jewelry.
Stance: Weapon hand should always be on the grip of the weapon, whether it is drawn or not. The other hand is open, fingers toward the ground, palm up and out. The forward foot (same side as knife hand) is flat on the ground, extended out, while the other leg is raised, with only the ball of the foot touching the ground.
CHARACTER BONUSES
Add +2 to P.B.
Add +1 to P.E.
Add +1 to P.S.
Add +2 to P.P.
Add +1D6 to S.D.C.
COMBAT SKILLS
Attacks per Melee: 4
Escape Moves: Impact Sponge, Maintain Balance, Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Somersault.
Attack Moves: None.
Basic Defense Moves: Automatic Parry, Dodge, Parry.
Advanced Defense Moves: Combination Parry/Attack, Disarm.
Hand Attacks: Punch (Human Fist).
Basic Foot Attacks: Kick Attack, Tripping/Leg Hook.
Jumping Foot Attacks: None.
Special Attacks: Body Flip/Throw, Combination Grab/Attack (NEW!).
Holds/Locks: Clothing Hold.
Weapon Kata: W.P. Knife.
Modifiers to Attacks: Critical Strike, Critical Strike from Behind, Fake Attack, Knockout/Stun from Behind.
SKILLS INCLUDED IN TRAINING
Martial Art Powers: None.
Languages: Romany (Gypsy) and Spanish.
Cultural (Pick One): Brewing, Cook, Dance, Play Musical Instrument or Singing.
Physical (Pick Two): Prowl, Acrobatics, Climbing, Running, Swimming, or Juggling.
Survival (Pick Two): Dowsing, Forestwise, Holistic Medicine, Hunting, Identify Plants & Fruits, Imitate Animal or Insect Sound, Skin & Prepare Animal Hides, Track Animals, Trapping, or Wilderness Survival.
Temple(Pick One): Begging or Fasting.
Weapon Proficiencies: W.P. Knife, W.P. Blunt.
Philosophical Training: Yeah, right. Live free and enjoy life.
If this is your Primary Martial Art then the following other styles can be learned in a shorter time: Arte della Daga (5 Years), Assassin (6 Years), Dolchfechten (10 Years), El Cuchillo (1 Year), Jailhouse Rock (7 Years), Raks Al-Khanjar (2 Years).
LEVEL ADVANCEMENT BONUSES
1st: +1 to Strike, +1 to Damage with Knives, +1 to Maintain Balance, Knockout/Stun from Behind.
2nd: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
3rd: +1 to Strike, +1 to Damage with Knives.
4th: Critical Strike from Behind.
5th: +1 to Maintain Balance, +1 Attack per Melee.
6th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
7th: Critical Strike on a Natural 19 or 20.
8th: Select one (1) additional Martial Art Power from Arts of Invisibility.
9th: +1 to Strike, +1 to Damage with Knives.
10th:+1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
11th: +1 Attack per Melee.
12th:+1 to Strike, +1 to Damage with Knives.
13th: +2 to Maintain Balance, +1 Attack per Melee.
14th: +1 to Parry/Dodge, +1 to Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact.
15th: Select one (1) additional Martial Art Power from Arts of Invisibility.
Why Study BARATERO?
Because of its lack of specialization, practitioners of this style tend not to be outstanding in any one area of combat. Good all-around offensive and defensive actions along with a good number of secondary skills. It's quite useful because you can't carry a larger weapon most places and is good against multiple attackers who are in hand to hand range. No major disadvantages.